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"Ash" wrote:Its excellent, esp if you know a little background. When I watched it, I knew about Henry VIII and Anne and the split with the Church, so I got most of it. Fantastic acting and production. It does however make More into a matyr - he certainly has a much darker side to him - but still well worth watching.

I agree with you Ash, that one must have some background on Henry VIII and Anne's "special matter" in order to find some depth to the story in the movie. I personally don't think it's a movie for everyone. I believe that if it weren't for the background I have on the Tudors it would have seem boring, cut-off or either find Henry's behavior somewhat stupid or cocky. So I do sympathize with those that might not find the movie to their like.

On another note, I was totally able to appreciate Paul Scofield's acting as Thomas More. And I do think that the movie's title (A Man for all Season's) complemented More's audacity, capacity, and intellectual to stand-up for his beliefs and principles. I do agree that as a human being he must have had a darker side to himself, but then, I think we all do . With all I have read about Thomas More, I'm inclining to see him as an intelligent and astute man as well as a martyr.

BTW--I still can't get rid-off the sickening feeling that Crommwell and Richard Rich made me feel with their despicable ways to bring More to trial. Sorry, these are only my own feelings

Happy readings!

"A scar signifies past pain, a wound that did not heal as it ought. But it testifies, too, to survival" (Here Be Dragons)

MFAS was first staged in London's Globe Theater in 1960, then it was later played on Broadway....As far as I know Paul Scofield played Thomas More's in both productions and then went on star in the film.....I saw the film and Scofield was brilliant, but I would have preferred to see the original play.....I'll watch again because we now have the pause button and take those needed intermission breaks...

With all I have read about Thomas More, I'm inclining to see him as an intelligent and astute man as well as a martyr.

More was a fanatic protestant hater, and tortured and killed many during his time as Chancellor. Thats not why Henry had him killed, but its certainly why historians and writers should look at him with a bit more nuance. But I agree, he was an intelligent man.

Oh Devil wears Prada was great fun. I was glad to see Streep being put into different roles than usual. Watching her in Prada, and Mama Mia, was a fun change of pace!

Last edited by Ash on Fri October 23rd, 2009, 1:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I saw "Sunshine Cleaning" yesterday with Amy Adams and Emily Blunt. It's produced and, I think, written by the same people who made "Little Miss Sunshine." I liked this one even better; both actresses turn in amazing performances, and the writing is spot-on. Well worth it.

I'm watching "Cheri" tonight with Michelle Pfieffer, whom I adore.

THE QUEEN'S VOW available on June 12, 2012!THE TUDOR SECRET, Book I in the Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles[B]THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE MEDICITHE LAST QUEEN[/B]

Not really a movie but "Chess: The Concert". I love the musical, and have heard the original CD with Murray Head many times, so I was a bit dismayed that they not only changed words in the songs, but the order in which some of them appear and added new songs and cut parts out of others. Sigh

Josh Groban was very good as the Russian, Adam Pascal was also very good as the American (reminded me of Murray Head a few times), I wasn't so impressed with Idina Menzel as Florance.

SM

Last edited by SonjaMarie on Mon October 26th, 2009, 3:13 am, edited 2 times in total.

It gets me every time I see Meryl Streep's children reading out her letter to them to be read after her death! Also, I find her discovery (re-awakening?) of her erotic side - lying in the bath just after Clint had showered there; coming into the kitchen all dressed up for the first time in ever, intensely erotic too!